Tours Info / History ArtTours2007.com

NEW THIS YEAR!

Collector Program

32pg High Gloss/Full Color

Includes artists, bios, maps and event schedule

$10

Collector Program Packs

6=$50.00 12=$90.00 24=$150.00

October is National Art Month

Welcome to the Morongo Basin’s Open Studio Art Tours 2008! This free two weekend event honors the vast amount of talented artists of the Morongo Basin. Celebrate with us by spending the days visiting your favorite artists and go to an evening event to experience live music, performances and shows. From award winning artists to Joshua Tree Music Festival, PASS Eco-Summit, 29 Palms Pioneer Days with carnival rides, gallery openings, theatre shows and special events this years Art Tours has it all!

The Art Tours consists of two weekends, October 11 - 12 & October 18 - 19. Studios and Galleries are open

9 am – 5 pm on their designated weekend. There are many locations to visit and events to attend, and although it would be nice to go to them all, it would be nearly impossible to attempt. Take the time to plan your own personalized self-guided tour. No matter what days you go out there are nightly events that we recommend you attend to end your day.

The Open Studio Art Tours are presented by Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Inc, a 501(c) (3) Nonprofit Organization and

depends solely on donations, fundraisers, memberships & grants. To learn more on how you can help support the arts click on

'Sponsorship' link or visit MorongoBasinArts.com

Open Studio Art Tours History

For the past six years fall finds the artists of the Morongo Basin preparing to throw open their studios and galleries to visitors from all over Southern California and beyond for the Open Studio Art Tours.

The first "official" Open Studio Art Tours was hosted by Huell Howser and was part of the Desert Arts Festival held in October/November 2002 with 26 artists and 12 other venues offering music, visual arts and theatre shows over a 10 day period. With the help of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council the Art Tours expanded to encompass all of the Morongo Basin and include towns of Wonder Valley, 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Pioneertown Flamigo Heights and Landers.

In 2004, 56 artists participated and a "Gathering of Artists" kick-off party on Friday night before the first day of the tours was introduced. The "Gathering" has become one of the major social events of the high desert. Hundreds of artists, friends, sponsors and visitors gather for food, live music, meeting and socializing.

Today the Open Studio Art Tours is the largest annual art event of the Morongo Basin. Galleries, museums, theatres, shops, restaurants, inns and pubs all over the Basin join in to celebrate and offer all kinds of entertainment and unique experiences.

This year is as ambitious as ever before. With more artists, live entertainment and special events than ever before! With the Art Tours website you can book your lodging, view all the artists and print out the program and maps of the tours making it easier to come visit the Morongo Basin for the celebration. With featured artists open more days than their designated weekend and entertainment happening every night allows visitors to plan their stay for any period of the two weekend event.

Website Information & Tips for a Successful Art Tours

Click on Artists/Events/Maps page to view all the first weekend(east end) & second weekend(west end) artists participating in the Art Tours and find out what is happening any given night of the Art Tours for Live Music, Theatre Shows, Gallery openings & Music Festivals, 29 Palms Pioneer Days and more!

TIP: Pick the artists and events you want to visit before you start your day. Unless you are super human it may be unlikely for you to see them all. When you want a piece of art don't hesitate to make an offer or ask to make a deal on buying multiple items. Most of the artists are happy to serve you something to eat, quench your thirst and offer great art at affordable prices. If you see something you like - buy it, remember how many more artists you are trying to see in the same day and you won't have a chance to return to get it later.

Click on Lodging to view your choice of accommodations. Call and book your room soon and ask them if they are offering discounted rooms for the Art Tours.

TIP: Book your reservations early. The perfect weather makes October a busy month for tourism in the Morongo Basin. Lodging could sell out before the event, or you could always pitch a tent in Joshua Tree National Park!

The good news is the the Art Tours and most events are free, the bad news is that gas is on the rise. We are encouraging carpooling, carpooling, carpooling! Plan the trip with your family/friends or go to a specified location in the Morongo Basin and team up with fellow patrons to carpool for the day.

FINAL TIP: Although the Open Studio Art Tours are in the fall remember we are in the high desert. Be prepared. Bring appropriate clothing and always drink water throughout the day.